Arts >> Art >> Art Supplies

How to Mount Artwork for a Portfolio for a Review

The appearance of your portfolio has an impact on people reviewing it. Your presentation can say as much about you as the artwork itself. Because artwork differs widely in form, artists use a variety of mounting techniques to make their portfolios appear professional and polished. Familiarize yourself with the options for mounting artwork in a portfolio and you can make informed choices that can help you present yourself in as professional a manner as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray adhesive
  • Scrap board
  • Foam core board
  • Dry mount adhesive sheets
  • Box-cutting knife
  • Self-adhesive archival corners
  • Artwork sleeves
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Apply spray adhesive. If you have printed copies (not originals), you can spray the backs of your prints with spray adhesive. Lay the printed piece face down on a board made of foam or wood. (This board should be disposable.) Spray the back of the print evenly with the adhesive. Do not soak the print, just apply a thin, even coat. Immediately after spraying, turn the print over and press it to a portfolio page. You will have a short time of one to three minutes to reposition the print so it is straight.

    • 2

      Dry mount your artwork. Dry mounting uses heat, so make sure your artwork can withstand temperatures up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Select a sheet of foam core board that is large enough for your print. Foam core can be cut to size using a box-cutting knife. Place a dry mount adhesive sheet on the foam core board, then place your print over the adhesive sheet. Place carefully in a dry mounting press. Many copy shops have dry mounting presses. The press applies heat and pressure, melting the adhesive sheet and securing the artwork. Use foam core board that is thin enough to slip into the plastic sheets in your portfolio.

    • 3

      Apply self-adhesive archival corners. These corners have slits that allow you to slide them onto the corners of your artwork. You then press the corners onto the portfolio sheet. The corners are backed with an adhesive that will stick to the portfolio page. These corners are available at art supply stores or online.

    • 4

      Place artwork in polypropylene or mylar sleeves. Clear sleeves cover a mounting sheet and have either the side or the top open so you can slide your artwork in. These sleeves hold the artwork in place. You can get these to match the size of your portfolio.

Art Supplies

Related Categories